IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low-profile and does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. Networking is key for getting this funder's attention.

PROFILE: Established in 1990, the Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation is the private family foundation of finance veteran Eugene Lerner. A graduate of University of Wisconsin and University of Chicago, Lerner established the Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation with his late with Janet. Lerner is in his late 80s and is still active in business as well as philanthropy. Janet, meanwhile, was an educator and pioneer in the field of learning disabilities. Janet passed away in 2015. Grantmaking areas of interest include health and human services, Jewish causes, education, environment, and animals.

The Lerner Foundation's grantmaking supports health and human services organizations in the Chicago area. Grantees have included Misericordia, home to over 600 children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities; Shore Community Services; and Blue Cap, an "organization that is dedicated to serving infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities." Another area of interest is the Jewish community in Chicago. The family via the foundation has given support to outfits like Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago and Temple Beth Israel. In terms of education, the Lerner family has supported Lerner's alma mater University of Chicago, as well as Northwestern University, among others. Lerner taught at Northwestern for a time and is a professor emeritus of finance. Grantees have also included tv station WTTW, radio station WBEZ, and Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. A component of this family's philanthropy also involves supporting sailing organizations, as well as groups that work for animals and the environment.

Grants rarely exceed $100,000 and many are between $1,000 and $10,000. In a past fiscal year, a little under $925,000 went out of the door. Review the foundation’s recent tax records to learn about past grantees. Lerner is based in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, and the foundation's grantmaking heavily features Chicago organizations.

The foundation keeps a low-profile with a minimal web presence, and it does not appear that this funder accepts unsolicited grant applications. The foundation’s phone number is 847-337-6891.